Learning About Delirium in Children in the PICU

Delirium in children (also called pediatric delirium) can happen when your child is very sick. When your child is delirious, they may:

• Be very confused.
• Not know where they are.
• Not recognize you or other familiar people.
• Have trouble paying attention or remembering things.
• See or hear things that aren’t there (hallucinations).
• Have strong and sudden mood changes.
• Be very sleepy or be unable to sleep at all.

Delirium often happens when children are in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) of a hospital. That’s because they are in an unfamiliar environment and they are ill or injured. And being in the hospital makes it hard to stick to a regular sleep schedule.

Some health problems, like high fevers or head injuries, can cause delirium. Your child may also be taking medicines like sedatives (medicine to help them relax) that can cause delirium or make it worse.

Delirium in children usually goes away as their injury or illness heals. But if you notice signs of delirium in your child, tell a doctor or nurse right away. They can make sure your child is safe. If your child is very agitated, or if they’re at risk of hurting themself, your child’s doctor can give medicine to help with delirium.

There are ways you can help your child prevent delirium while in the hospital. You can:

• Bring in toys, pictures, or other familiar items from home. You can also play calm music your child likes.
• Keep their room calm. Avoid having too many visitors at a time, loud noises, or overlapping conversations.
• If your child needs glasses or hearing aids, make sure they’re available. Not being able to see or hear well can make your child feel more confused.
• Put up a clock and calendar in your child’s room so that your child will know the time and date.
• Help your child stay awake during the day by opening the blinds and engaging your child in play and conversation. At night, turn off lights and other electronics and keep the room quiet to help your child sleep.

If your child is experiencing delirium, try these strategies to help them through it.

• Use a calm voice to reassure your child that they’re safe.
• Remind your child where they are and what is happening.
• If your child is confused, don’t argue with them. Instead, redirect their attention to objects or people in the room.